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Senate approves bill requiring athletic trainer availability at high school sports after heated debate over costs
Summary
After extended debate over funding and scope, the Rhode Island Senate passed S2146, which requires school districts to designate an athletic trainer available for high school athletic events; supporters cited student safety, opponents warned it is an unfunded mandate and asked for cost data and narrower scope.
The Rhode Island Senate on May 14 approved S2146, the "Concussion Act," which would require school districts to designate an athletic trainer available at high school athletic events. Sponsor Senator Lombardi said the measure responds to serious head injuries at school sporting events and argued that the cost—estimated in committee at about $70,000 per year for a municipality like East Providence—was outweighed by the potential to prevent a catastrophic injury or death.
Supporters emphasized student safety and existing concussion protocols. Senator Filag said athletic trainers can be…
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